Bank Holiday STORM warning: You should do THESE five things in a thunderstorm to stay safe

THE BANK Holiday weekend is set to be a scorcher, with the Met Office predicting 30C temperatures and thunderstorms in the UK. Thunderstorms can be incredibly dangerous if you are not properly prepared, so here are five things you should do in a thunderstorm to stay safe.

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What can you do to protect yourself?

Thunderstorms generate a huge amount of electricity in its duration, often resulting in huge fork or sheet lightning.

This huge electrical surge is capable of hitting tall metal towers, sending the energy into the ground in a powerful burst that can be deadly.

Your phone line also generates electricity, operating as a potential conduit for the lightning. Even using your mobile outside can attract the electricity in the air, so keep safe and keep it in your pocket.

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Thunderstorms are forecast for Bank Holiday Monday

Unplug laptops, TVs, and computers

Much like your phone, electrical appliances like TVs and laptops can conduct electricity, making them susceptible to being hit by lightning.

It is advised to turn off and unplug all electrical equipment from the main sockets your house to ensure that the circuits will not fry should your house be struck by lightning.

Avoid baths or showers

Another conductor of electricity is water. The average bolt of lightning contains roughly one billion joules of energy. To put that into perspective, that is enough energy to power a 60-wattlight bulbfor six months.

It is also enough energy to kill you, particularly if it is run through water.

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PLaying golf during a thunderstorm can be dangerous

Do not take cover under trees

During a thunderstorm, lightning can be attracted to tall structures or objects,channellingits powerful energy down into the ground.

Many people will seek cover when caught out in a thunderstorm, but this can prove deadly as trees can attract lightning too.

The power of a lightning bolt has been known to split and destroy some of the strongest trees, so stay out from underneath them.

Don’t play golf!

The Hollywood image of a man playing golf being struck by lightning is no myth.

Lightning is attracted to metal as a conductor, and playing gold with long metal clubs is a surefire way to attract electricity.

Umbrellas are also conductors, so brave the rain and get inside as quickly as possible.